March 26, 2008
SAN DIEGO - The United States Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association (USTFCCCA) released its NCAA Division I rankings for the upcoming 2008 outdoor track and field season on Wednesday. Several Aztecs find themselves among the best in Division I in numerous events, while SDSU as a team is ranked No. 38 nationally.
The Aztecs' top-ranked athlete is 2007 All-American triple jumper Decontee Kaye. The junior earned a No. 4 preseason ranking in the triple jump, while senior Karoline Koehler came in at No. 9. San Diego State is the only school that boasts a pair of triple jumpers in the top 10.
Koehler and Kaye also find themselves among the nation's best in the long jump as Koehler is rated as the 28th-best athlete in the event, while Kaye is ranked No. 33.
Other Aztecs who received a ranking include:
Shana Solomon (Junior): No. 18 - 100m; No. 31 - 200m
Kristin Olafsdottir (Junior): No. 20 - Heptathlon
Monica Pacas (Senior): No. 21 - Pole Vault
Nicole Stone (Junior): No. 22 - 400m Hurdles; No. 34 - 400m
Mandy Upuu (Senior): No. 25 - 800m
Sherraine Pencil (Senior): No. 29 - 200m; No. 32 - 400m
Stephanie Bagan (Sophomore): No. 39 - Pole Vault
Shana Watson (Junior): No. 54 - Triple Jump
4x400-Meter Relay: No. 27
4x100-Meter Relay: No. 54
A complete breakdown of the rankings can be found at the USTFCCCA's official website, www.ustfccca.cstv.com.